Trestman confirms Marinelli out as Bears’ defensive coordinator

During his hour-long introductory press conference on Thursday, Chicago Bears’ head coach Marc Trestman confirmed that former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will not return in 2013.

The decision was Marinelli’s.

“I would have hoped Rod would have stayed here,” Trestman told the media after his public press conference. “He felt he needed a fresh start, and that we needed a fresh start.”

According to the Tribune’s Vaughn McClure, Marinelli was offered a one-year extension to stay but obviously elected to explore his options elsewhere.

As for who Marinelli’s replacement might be, Trestman wouldn’t comment, but Bears’ current defensive backs coach Jon Hoke might be one in-house option considering the impressive work he did with Pro Bowl cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings during the 2012 season and even prior to it. Hoke has been with the Bears since 2009.

Trestman said he and GM Phil Emery will begin sitting down with those coaches currently under contract immediately, giving each of them their due while working to decide who will stay and who will go.

But Trestman will indeed bring some of his own staff with him to Chicago. “There will be some guys coming down south,” Trestman said. And according to the Sun-Times’ Adam Jahns, Montreal offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, will be one of those guys.

Additionally, Alouettes’ special teams coordinator/running backs coach, Andy Bischoff, was seen at Halas Hall on Thursday; an indication that he will likely also be in line for a position.